Capsule, beverage production machine and system for the preparation of a nutritional product

ABSTRACT

The present invention presents a capsule  1  having an inlet face C, which is formed by a circular section  2   a  and a bulge section  2   b  extending from the circular section  2   a  giving the inlet face C a not symmetric in rotation. The capsule  1  further has an optically readable code  3  on a side wall  4  of a cup-shaped body of the capsule  1  opposite the bulge section  2   b . The present invention further presents a beverage production machine with a capsule holder  13  for holding a capsule  1  in such a way in the beverage production machine  10 , that the optically readable code can be read by a code reader  24 . Liquid can be supplied to the capsule to produce a nutritional product. The present invention provides means to prevent the optically readable code  3  and the code reader  24 , respectively, from being contaminated with liquid, vapor, dirt or the like. An automatic detection of the capsule type, and a corresponding automatic setting of preparation parameters by the beverage production machine  1  becomes possible, and is more reliable than state of the art solutions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Stage of International ApplicationNO. PCT/EP2011/069814, filed on Nov. 10, 2011, which claims priority toEuropean Patent Application No. 10190899.4, filed Nov. 11, 2010, andEuropean Patent Application No. 11164349.0, filed Apr. 29, 2011, theentire contents of which are being incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to field of the preparation of beveragesby use of beverage production machine. In particular, the inventionrelates to a removable insert provided with an optical code such as acapsule, a rinsing/descaling tool or capsule holder, and also relates toa beverage production machine and a system for the preparation of anutritional product in combination with a supplied liquid. Inparticular, the invention relates to a capsule for containing anutritional ingredient, wherein the capsule is provided with an opticalcode, a beverage production machine for the supply of the liquid, whichis provided with a code reader to read optically readable codes, and asystem for reading an optically readable code on a capsule with a codereader of a beverage production machine.

A nutritional product containing nutritional ingredients can be preparedby inserting a capsule containing nutritional ingredients into abeverage production machine, and by supplying a liquid to the capsule bymeans of the beverage production machine. The nutritional ingredients inthe capsule are mixed with the liquid, and the mixture is output as thenutritional product. Typically, such capsules are held in a tightposition by a capsule holder of the beverage production machine, areperforated by the machine, and then liquid is injected into the capsule.

The nutritional product can be for instance infant formula, but can alsocomprise nutritional liquids for toddlers, invalids, elderly people,persons having nutritional deficiencies or athletes. The nutritionalproduct is prepared from the nutritional ingredients, which can becontained in the capsule, by the addition of a liquid, such as water,milk, soup or the like. Typically each nutritional product requiresspecial individual preparation parameters, such as the volume of usedliquid, the liquid temperature, or other possible parameter (e.g., theliquid pressure, flow rates, etc.), which also depend on the capsuletype. Correct preparation parameters are crucial for a properpreparation of the nutritional product. It is thus desirable that abeverage production machine automatically determines the correctpreparation parameters for an inserted capsule, so that the preparationof the nutritional product becomes faster and more convenient for theuser. In particular, an infant formula preparation system using codedcapsules of different sizes is described in WO2010003878 to facilitatepreparation of the nutritional product as function of a feeding plan, inparticular related to the age of the infant (such as to follow thechange overtime of breast milk).

Further, it occurs rather often that removable inserts such as capsules,which have already been used, are forgotten by the user in the beverageproduction machine. It is therefore further desirable to provide a wayto prevent accidental reuse of such inserts, in particular capsules, inthe beverage production machine.

In the context of the invention, the term “capsule” refers to any rigidor semi-rigid container containing beverage ingredient. Other synonymousto a capsule are: “pod”, “pad” or “cartridge”. The capsule can be singleuse. The capsule can also be filled with ingredient by the user to formthe capsule just before use. The capsule can be formed of differentseparable pieces before insertion in the beverage production machine.

Devices for reading a code on a capsule, and capsules provided with acode exist, for example such as are disclosed in WO 02/28241.

Further, in WO2004064585, a capsule comprises an optically readable codeon a (top) foil, and a reader for interpreting the code is integrated inthe injection/extraction head of a beverage production machine. Thereader is located close to the liquid injector and/or to the beverageoutlets. This arrangement thus often creates reading problems, becausethe window of the reader tends to become dirty very rapidly. Regularcleaning is therefore necessary, in order to ensure a reliable automaticrecognition of the capsule.

In US 2007157821, a minimum angular separation of a barcode from theinlet is provided, in order to improve the accuracy of reading thebarcode with recognition means of a beverage production machine.

WO 2008144462 relates to a delivery head of a beverage preparationmachine comprising an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to acartridge received in the delivery head, a downwardly directed outletfor outflow of beverage, and a barcode reader having a barcode readerwindow, through which signals may be transmitted. The inlet, the outletand the barcode reader window are arranged in a line, with the outletbeing intermediate the inlet and the barcode reader window.

Other solutions have been developed to improve the reliability of codedetection, such as in WO2009/007292, in which a reading apparatus isactivated before a brewing chamber of a beverage production machine isclosed, with the result that several images of a code are recordedbefore the closure position is reached. However, this creates additionalcomplexity in the recognition process, and does not fully correct theproblems of dirty surfaces.

WO2010003878 relates to a portion-controlled nutrition system forpersons requiring a differentiated nutritional feeding such as infantsby means of capsules of different sizes which are identified by a(circular) barcode on the inlet foil.

In conclusion, none of the cited documents provides a satisfactorysolution to the problem that optically readable codes applied toremovable inserts, such as capsules, are very sensitive to liquid, vaporand a dirty environment, such as can occur over time in a beverageproduction machine. An automatic detection of an optically readable codeon a capsule can thus be easily altered or inhibited by suchcontamination, and a proper preparation of a nutritional product becomesdifficult. In particular for dairy-based nutritional products, such asinfant formula, the above-mentioned problems become very critical. Dirtysurfaces inside a beverage production machine further cause hygieneissues, and therefore need to be cleaned regularly.

Therefore, it is a further object of the present invention to improvethe state of the art, and in particular to provide an improved automaticdetection of removable inserts, in particular (but non-exlusively)capsules, in a beverage production machine. The beverage productionmachine should also be easier to clean, and the automatic detectionshould be less prone to fail due to a contamination of the readingmeans.

The objective problems are solved by the independent claims of thepresent invention, which are directed to an removable insert, e.g., abeverage capsule, a beverage production machine, and a system thereof,respectively. The dependent claims develop further advantages of eachsolution.

In a main mode, the present invention comprises a capsule for containingnutritional ingredients and designed for insertion in a beverageproduction machine, the capsule comprising a cup-shaped base body havinga bottom, a side wall and an inlet face, wherein the inlet face of thecup-shaped base body presents a contour, which is not symmetric inrotation and presents a bulge section extending from an essentiallycircular section, wherein an optically readable code is provided on theside wall at a position which, when viewing the capsule from the inletface, is located opposite the bulge section.

The optically readable code is positioned on a side wall of thecup-shaped base body of the capsule, in order to prevent that theoptically readable code becomes soiled with liquid, vapor or other dirtin the beverage production machine. The optically readable code ispositioned away from the inlet face of the capsule, and even preferablyfrom the liquid inlet area itself, into which in the beverage productionmachine liquid will be injected. The contour of the inlet face, which isnot symmetric in rotation, and in particular the bulge section furtherprovide a positioning aid for positioning the optically readable code inthe beverage production machine so that it can be properly read.Preferably, the liquid inlet area, e.g., a liquid inlet opening and/orreservoir, of the capsule is located on the inlet face in the bulgesection of the capsule. The opposite location of the code relative tothe bulge section is also advantageous in that the code is even moredistant from the liquid injection area. A machine, in which the capsuleis designed to be inserted, can then automatically detect the capsuletype, and can set appropriate preparation parameter(s). Thus, such amachine is faster and easier to operate by a user.

Preferably, the cup-shaped body comprises an upper flange delimiting thenon-symmetrical contour of the inlet face including the bulge section.The code is therefore positioned on the side wall below the upperflange. Preferably, it is placed at a distance of at least 5 mm belowthe flange and at a distance of at least 10 mm above the bottom. Theflange when inserted in the capsule holder provides in a further barrieragainst seepage of liquid.

Preferably, the wall member is sealed onto the upper flange. The wallmember can be a foil member intended for being perforated or removed, inorder to allow liquid supply into the capsule. In an alternative, thewall member can be a pre-perforated wall. The bottom of the cup-shapedbase body is provided with one or more outlets, wherein the opticallyreadable code is provided on the side wall between the inlet face andthe bottom.

By positioning the optically readable code between the inlet face, intowhich the liquid will be injected in a beverage production machine, andthe bottom, from which a nutritional product will be output, theoptically readable code and the code reading technology on the machine'sside are prevented from coming into contact with the liquid on theinjection or output side. Thus contamination of the optically readablecode is prevented or at least considerably reduced.

Preferably, the capsule comprises a fluid inlet unit provided in adedicated seat of the body below the bulge section of the inlet face ofthe capsule. The advantage is that a dedicated fluid inlet is present inthe capsule which is positioned at the opposite of the opticallyreadable code (when viewing the capsule from the inlet face). A fluidinlet unit is meant here to be at least a portion of wall of the capsulecomprising at least one liquid inlet opening. Preferably, the fluidinlet unit forms a casing comprising at least one dedicated liquid inletcommunicating with the cavity of the body containing the nutritionalingredients via at least one conduit or passage. Most preferably, thefluid inlet unit forms a casing comprising at least one dedicated liquidinlet and at least dedicated one gas inlet. The liquid and gas inletsare preferably transversally distant from one another on the inlet face.The casing may be covered by a the foil member which is perforated bythe machine at the dedicated liquid and/or inlets

Preferably, the capsule further comprises a filter adapted for removingcontaminants contained in the supplied liquid. The hygiene of thenutritional product can thus be improved. The filter may be placed inthe seat such as part of the fluid inlet unit. In particular, the filteris encased in the casing as described in co-pending international patentapplications PCT/EP2010/056005 or PCT/EP2010/056043. However, the filtercould be placed anywhere between the inlet wall and the ingredients inthe capsule or even between the ingredients and the bottom such as it isdescribed in WO 2009/092629 or WO 2010/112353.

It should be noticed that the capsule could be formed of separate partswhich are assembled just before insertion in the beverage productionmachine by the user. For instance, the body and the fluid inlet unitand/or filter can be separate elements. At least one of these elementscan be re-usable. For instance, the filter unit can be a part which isused several times whereas the body bearing the optically detectablecode is intended for a single use. The capsule may thus be filled beforeuse by the user with selected ingredients. Most preferably, the capsuleis filled with a metered amount of nutritional ingredients in controlledhygiene (sterile if required) conditions and sealed by the inlet foilonto the flange of the body to form a closed interior that is opened,e.g., perforated, at the last moment of the preparation in the beveragepreparation machine. The interior of the capsule can be further filledwith inert gas such as nitrogen.

The present invention is further directed to a beverage productionmachine for the preparation of a nutritional product comprising, ahousing, a reservoir for holding a liquid, a capsule holder removablyinsertable in the housing for holding a capsule for containingnutritional ingredients, a liquid injection assembly provided in thehousing for supplying liquid held in the reservoir to a capsule held inthe capsule holder, and an optical code reading assembly of the beverageproduction machine for reading an optically readable code, wherein thecapsule holder is interposed, when inserted in the housing, between theliquid injection assembly and the code reading assembly.

Therefore, the capsule holder forms a protection barrier againstcontamination by splashing or spurting liquid on the code and/or codereading assembly.

Preferably, the optical code reading assembly comprises a code readerprovided on a frame of the beverage production machine for reading anoptically readable code, wherein the frame is located outside of thehousing.

Since the code reader is provided on a frame of the beverage productionmachine, which is located outside of the housing, which contains theliquid injection assembly, the code reader is protected fromcontamination by splashing or spurting liquid, and can thus reliablydetect optically readable codes. Further, the code reader needs not tobe cleaned as often.

Preferably, the liquid injection assembly comprises an injection plateadapted to move from an upward un-engaged to a downward engaged position(and vice versa) in the housing, and a liquid needle adapted to beextended through said opening and to inject liquid into a capsule in thedownward engaged position. The engaged position is meant here to be theposition of the injection plate pressing in liquid-tight engagementagainst the capsule when the capsule holder is inserted in the housing.

The injection plate is preferably in an upward non-engaged position inthe housing, when a capsule is inserted into the machine, and whenliquid is to be injected into the capsule. Otherwise the injection plateis in a downward engaged position against the capsule and capsule holderso that it can prevent liquid from seeping towards the capsule holder ortowards the code reader, where it could alter the functionality of theautomatic capsule detection.

Preferably, the housing comprises a window positioned between theinserted capsule holder and the code reader. The window is preferablymade of plastic or glass, which is transparent to light emitted from thecode reader.

Preferably, the code reader comprises one or more light emitting diodes,LEDs, to illuminate an optically readable code, a focusing lens toacquire an image of the optically readable code, a charge coupleddevice, CCD, for producing an electrical signal representative of theacquired image, and support circuitry for the one or more LEDs and theCCD.

Preferably, the housing comprises a window positioned in the propagationdirection of the light emitted from the one or more LEDs, and the windowis preferably made of plastic or glass, which is transparent to saidemitted light.

The window protects the code reader from liquid, vapor and dirt, butallows the code reader to read optical codes without hindrance.

The capsule holder preferably comprises an aperture for uncovering anoptically readable code of the capsule; said aperture being aligned withthe window in the housing.

The capsule holder is preferably configured to be inserted in thehousing of the machine in a substantially rectilinear movement by meansof complementary slider of the housing cooperating with sliding edges ofthe capsule holder.

Preferably, when the injection plate is downwardly engaged on thecapsule and capsule holder, the injection plate becomes positioned in aliquid tight engagement with the capsule and/or capsule holder ontowhich the closure pressing forces of the plate are exerted. As a result,substantially no liquid is able to travel from the liquid injectionassembly to the window.

The capsule holder further comprises liquid draining channels positionedparallel to the said aperture. Thus, the capsule holder prevents thatthe window becomes soiled with liquids in the upward position of theinjection plate, when, which reduces the cleaning effort of the window.Further, the operation of the code reader is not compromised by liquid,vapor or the like on the window, which would reduce the transparency forthe emitted light.

Preferably, the window is oriented along a plane which forms an angle,which is preferably in a range of 110° and 160°, more preferably 130° to140° relative to the bottom plane of the capsule in the inserted capsuleholder.

The angle is chosen so that the best compromise is found between anangle, which prevents liquid from flowing onto and sticking to thewindow, and an angle, which allows the optical code reader to read anoptically readable code on a capsule inserted into the beverageproduction machine.

The invention also relates to a beverage production machine for thepreparation of a nutritional product from capsules containingnutritional ingredients comprising a housing, a reservoir for holding aliquid, a capsule holder removably insertable in the housing for holdinga capsule containing nutritional ingredients, a liquid injectionassembly provided in the housing for supplying liquid held in thereservoir to a capsule held in the capsule holder, an optical codereading assembly comprising a code reader for reading an opticallyreadable code on each capsule placed in the capsule holder when thecapsule holder is inserted in the housing, a control unit with a memoryfor memorizing the last optically readable codes read by the codereader, such as the last 10 or 20 optically readable codes, wherein thecontrol unit is adapted to deactivate the beverage production machineand/or to provide a warning signal to the user of the beverageproduction machine, in case that an optically readable code read by thecode reader corresponds to one of the last memorized optical codes, andis adapted to set at least one preparation parameter, for thenutritional product, such as the volume of supplied liquid in thecapsule, according to the optically readable code of the capsule read bythe code reader in case the optically readable code does not correspondto the one of the last memorized optically readable codes.

An accidental reuse of a capsule is thus prevented, which couldotherwise easily occur, if the user forgets to take out the capsule fromthe device after usage. Furthermore, at least one preparation parameterchosen amongst the list of: liquid temperature, the liquid volume, theliquid flow rate, liquid pressure, type of liquid and combinationsthereof, can be automatically set by the control unit, whereby the usageof the beverage production machine becomes faster and more convenient.

The present invention is further directed to a system comprising abeverage production machine as described above, and a capsule asdescribed above, wherein the capsule in the capsule holder, and thecapsule holder in the beverage production machine are positioned suchthat the optically readable code faces the window of the housing.

The contour of the inlet face of the capsule, which is not symmetric inrotation, aids the correct positioning of the capsule in the capsuleholder, so that in consequence, since the capsule holder slides fittedinto the beverage production machine, the optically readable code on thecapsule will always be positioned precisely, where it can be read by thecode reader of the beverage production machine.

Preferably, the liquid needle is adapted to extend through the openingin the housing, and to supply liquid into the capsule.

Preferably, the capsule comprises one or more outlets preferablyoriented parallel to the flow direction of the liquid injected by theliquid needle, wherein the one or more outlets are placed downstream ofthe window in respect to the liquid flowing through the capsule from theliquid needle to the one or more outlets.

Since the one or more outlets are oriented parallel to the flowdirection of the liquid, they take an angle with the normal direction ofthe window plane preferably in a range of 20° to 70°, more preferably40° to 50°, the same as the angle of the flow direction of the liquidsupplied by the liquid needle described above. The danger of liquidsplashing or spurting towards and onto the window is thus reduced. Byplacing the one or more outlets downstream, i.e. below the window inrespect to the liquid flowing through the capsule, another protectionmeasure to avoid contamination of the window with liquid is provided.

Preferably, the optically readable code is a barcode, preferablycomprising at least one byte of “n” digits corresponding to a serialnumber of the capsule. Other bytes of one or more digits are preferablyused for identifying the type of capsules for setting parameter(s).

By integrating serial numbers of the capsules into the opticallyreadable code, multiple usage of a single capsule can be avoided, andthe optimal preparation parameters for each individual capsule can beset by the beverage production machine according to the serial number ofthe capsule.

The invention further relates to a removable insert other than a capsulewhich comprises a body having a bottom or fluid delivery side, a top orfluid supply side and a frontal sidewall opposite a rear side, whereinthe fluid supply side presents a contour which is not symmetrical inrotation and presents a bulge section, e.g., of smaller surface area,extending from said main section, wherein an optical code is provided onthe frontal sidewall at a position which, when viewing the insert fromfluid supply side is located opposite the bulge section. Preferably, thebulge section comprises a liquid inlet opening at the fluid supply side.The removable insert can be a rinsing and/or descaling insert or anothertool or open container fillable with food ingredients. The outlet facecomprises at least one outlet which is axially distant from the inletopening. As aforementioned, the optical readable code can be a barcodeprovided with instructions or data as to the operation of the insert orother inserts in the machine.

The invention further relates to a removable capsule holder comprising:

a seat for receiving a capsule having a frontal sidewall, guiding meansfor slidably guiding the capsule holder in a housing of the beverageproduction machine; said seat comprising a main capsule support sectionand a smaller bulge capsule support section extending from the maincapsule support section and opposite the frontal sidewall;

wherein an optical readable code is provided on the frontal sidewall ofthe seat at a position which, when viewing the capsule holder from thetop, is located opposite the bulge capsule support section.

As aforementioned, the optical readable code can be a barcode providedwith instructions or data as to the operation of inserts such ascapsules or other inserts in the machine.

In summary, the present invention provides solutions for an opticallyreadable code on a capsule or other removable inserts, and a beverageproduction machine comprising a code reader, wherein both are protectedfrom liquid, vapor, dirt and the like in a beverage production machine.By providing the optically readable code on the capsule, accidentalreuse of capsules can be avoided, and preparation parameters can be setautomatically according to the type of capsule. The solution makes thebeverage production machine easier to clean, and more convenient tooperate.

In the following, a detailed description of the present invention withreference to the attached drawings will be given.

FIGS. 1a-1d show a capsule according to the present invention fromdifferent perspectives.

FIGS. 2a-2c show a capsule according to the present invention fromdifferent perspectives.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed cross-section of a head portion of a beverageproduction machine according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show a capsule holder positioned in a beverageproduction machine according to the present invention, with an insertedcapsule according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a capsule holder of a beverage production machine accordingto the present invention, without an inserted capsule.

FIG. 6 shows, in front perspective view, a rinsing and/or descalinginsert according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows, in bottom perspective view, the rinsing and/or descalinginsert of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows the insert of FIG. 6 being inserted in a capsule holder ofthe beverage production device.

FIG. 9 shows, from bottom perspective view, a capsule holder accordingto the present invention.

The general aspect of the capsule 1 according to the present invention,which is designed for insertion into a beverage production machine 10,is illustrated in connection with FIGS. 1a-1d , and FIGS. 2a-2d . Thecapsule 1 generally comprises a cup-shaped base body 2 for receivingnutritional ingredients. As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b the cup-shaped basebody 2 has a bottom 7, a side wall 4 and an inlet face C, which has acontour, which is not symmetric in rotation, when viewed from the top ofthe capsule along a longitudinal axis A of the capsule. The inlet face Cpresents a bulge section 2 b extending from an essentially circularsection 2 a, and can be closed by a liquid impermeable foil member 5,which can be sealed to an upper flange like rim 6 of the inlet face C.The foil member 5 may be simply liquid impervious or, most preferably,liquid and gas impervious. In particular, the membrane can be amultilayer comprising a gas barrier such as EVOH and/or aluminum. Aswill be explained in more detail later on, the top membrane is made of apuncturable material such as thin polymer and/or aluminum to enableliquid to be supplied by means of a liquid injector, like a liquidneedle 14 b described later, on one hand, and gas, e.g. air, to besupplied to the capsule 1 by means of a gas injector, like an air needle14 c described later, on the other hand.

The bottom 7 of the cup-shaped base body 2 comprises at least one outlet8 intended for the release of the liquid nutritional composition/productfrom the capsule 1. The outlets 8 may comprise one or several openingsfor streaming of the liquid composition towards a receptacle such as ababy bottle, glass or cup. The outlets 8 may extend from the bottom 7 ofthe cup-shaped base body 2 by a short duct for directing the flow ofliquid and reducing side projections of liquid, which could contaminatethe surroundings of the receptacle.

The inlet face C of the capsule 1 extends as mentioned above in a bulgesection 2 b, which preferably is adapted to receive a fluid inlet unitsuch as a filter 9 for filtering liquid supplied to the capsule 1. Theterm “bulge” does not refer to a specific shape of the section but onlyindicate a protrusion or convex section extending from the main circularsection. The term “circular” is also not restricted to a pure circle butencompass slight shape variations such as a corrugated closed roundedcontour. The main way to automatically detect the type of capsule 1 bymeans of an optically readable code 3 on the side wall 4 of the capsule1 will be explained below in more detail.

The capsule 1 comprises the cup-shaped base body 2 for containingnutritional ingredients. The volume of the cup-shaped base body 2 mayvary depending on the volume of liquid to be injected into the capsule1. In general, a large volume is preferred for large volume of liquid sothat the cup-shaped base body 2 serves as a mixing bowl for theingredients and liquid to form the composition.

Further, the capsule 1 may comprise in the bottom 7 of the cup-shapedbase body 2 a product delivery system (not shown) for ensuring a properinteraction of the supplied liquid and the ingredients contained in thecup-shaped body 2 of the capsule 1, and for reducing, preferablyavoiding, contact of nutritional liquid with the beverage productionmachine 10. In a particular mode, the product delivery system isdesigned to open at least one orifice through the capsule 1 for deliveryof the composition when a sufficient pressure of liquid has been reachedin the cup-shaped base body 2. For this, the bottom 7 of the cup-shapedbase body 2 can comprise perforating elements strategically placed toperforate a lower foil member (not shown) separating the cup-shaped basebody 2 from the one or more outlets 8. The lower foil member istypically a thin, liquid-tight membrane, which can be perforated, madeof aluminum and/or polymer. The membrane is sealed at the bottom edge ofthe cup-shaped base body 2. For instance, the membrane 25 is a 30-micronfoil of aluminum. It should be noted that the product delivery systemcan be designed differently. For instance, it can be a simple valvecomprising an orifice or slot normally closed and which opens under thepressure which builds in the compartment as resulting from the liquidbeing supplied in. In another alternative, it can also be a porous wallforming a product filter.

The capsule 1 of the invention is preferably designed to ensurefiltration of the liquid being supplied into the cup-shaped base body 2.The rationale for filtration of incoming liquid is essentially linked tothe requirement for controlling a perfect quality of the liquid, e.g.,water, entering in the delivered composition. Water can be supplied at atemperature of service, e.g., at about 23° C.-40° C., by heating ofambient liquid coming from a reservoir 12 of a beverage productionmachine 10. More preferably, the filtration is carried out to removecontaminants including microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast or moldsand eventually viruses, e.g., which have not been destroyed by theliquid heating operation. For this, a solution can consist in inserting,in a predetermined area of the capsule 1, a filter unit 9 in the form ofa pressure resistant, handleable unit comprising an outer protectivecasing, and at least one filter media, in particular, a filter membrane.The filter unit 9 is preferably rigid in the sense that it is more rigidthan the filter membrane and preferably, it is also resistant tosignificant deflection upon application of the liquid and sealingpressure exerted by the liquid coming out of a liquid needle 14 b of abeverage production machine 10, and by the sealing engagement ofbeverage production machine 10 itself onto the capsule 1. The filterunit 9 presents the advantage to facilitate the placing of the filtertechnology in the capsule 1, without requiring specific connectionmeans, and it reduces the risk of damaging the filter membrane. Itshould be noticed that the filter unit 9 can be a simple fluid injectionunit without inside filter in case the delivered nutritional productdoes not need to fulfill strict hygienic requirements (e.g., forexample, for adult nutrition).

For antimicrobial purpose (e.g., for infant nutrition), the filter unitcomprises a filter membrane. The filter membrane has preferably a poresize of less than 0.4 microns, most preferably of less than 0.2 microns.It may have a thickness of less than 500 microns, preferably between 10and 300 microns. The material of the membrane can be chosen from thelist consisting of PES (polyethersulfone), cellulose acetate, cellulosenitrate, polyamide and combinations thereof.

In particular, the filter unit 9 is insertable in a filter receivingseat 2 c formed in the bulge section 2 b of the inlet face C. The filterreceiving seat 2 c is so designed to position the filter unit 9 in anoffcentred manner relative to the mouth of the cup-shaped base body 2 atthe circular section 2 a. As a result, the deformation of the capsule 1due to the pressure of liquid and the sealing with the device can bereduced compared to a more central positioning above the cup-shaped basebody 2. The filter receiving 2 c seat may be, for instance, a U-shapedcavity of relatively low depth compared to the depth of the cup-shapedbase body 2. The seat 2 c then has a bottom wall and a sidewall matchingat least part of the bottom and sidewall of the filter unit 9, inparticular, of its larger portion. The filter unit 9 may not require anyspecific connection with the filter receiving seat 2 c but it is simplymaintained in place by the complementary shapes of the unit 9, e.g., bypress-fitting, in the seat 2 c and the closure obtained by the foilmember 5. For instance, the seat 2 c may comprise corrugations orrecesses in its sidewall, e.g., near the cup-shaped base body 2, forreceiving the filter unit 9 by press-fitting (not shown).

As illustrated in FIG. 1d , the filter unit 9 is sized so that itsfiltering surface is at most one third of the total surface of the inletface C. Furthermore, the largest portion of filtering surface is axiallyoffset relative to the circular section 2 a of the inlet face C, whenthe capsule 1 is viewed in projection view along the longitudinal axialline A. By “largest portion”, it is meant that at least 60%, preferably85% of the filtering surface F is placed outside the circular section 2a in the projection along direction A. The filtering surface F is hereconsidered as the total surface of the filter membrane minus its pinchedcircumference. A certain overlap of the surfaces of the circular section2 a and the bulge section 2 b may be considered as acceptable. A firstproblem solved is the reduction of the base body 2 and the ability tobetter control the deformation of the filter 9. Another problem solvedis about the reduction of the amount of material for the filter membraneand consequently the reduction of the manufacturing cost and the impactof the used capsule on environment. Another advantage is the possibilityto compress the capsule 1, in particular, the cup-shape base body 2 ofthe capsule 1 after emptying for reducing the storage volume of the usedcapsules 1. For this, the side wall 4 may include weakened linesoriented in such as way to promote compression of the cup in the axialdirection A.

In FIG. 1b , a top view of the capsule 1 along the longitudinal verticalaxis A is shown. The contour of the inlet face C viewed from above hasan asymmetric shape, i.e. a shape that is not symmetric in rotationaround the longitudinal axis A. The asymmetric contour of the inlet faceC is due to the bulge section 2 b extending from the circular section 2a.

In FIGS. 2a-2c an optically readable code 3 on the side wall 4 of thecapsule 1 is shown. The optically readable code 3 is preferably a barcode, which comprises a byte of n digits, which correspond preferably toa serial number of the capsule 1 (e.g. from 0 to 9999). The opticallyreadable code 3, however, can be any other code than a bar code, whichis readable by optical means. The optically readable code 3 on thecapsule 1 is preferably a 1-D or 2-D barcode. Such a code is formed by aplurality of bars, dots or squares of contrast in color, for exampledark bars on light background or vice versa. The code could as well beinvisible to naked eyes but revealed under UV light. The opticallyreadable code 3 does not need to be a published standard, however astandard format such as EAN 13, OPC-A, or interleaf 2 or 5 may be used.

The optically readable code 3 is preferably provided at a position,which, when viewing the capsule from the inlet face C, i.e. from the topof the capsule 1 along the longitudinal axis A, is located opposite thebulge section 2 b, i.e. on the other side of the circular section 2 a ofthe base body 2 than the side, from which the bulge section 2 b extends.The bulge section 2 b thus unambiguously determines the position of theoptically readable code 3 on the side wall 4 of the cup-shaped basebody. Although the preferred position of the optically readable code 3in respect to the bulge section 2 b is the above mentioned oppositeside, it can also be positioned at other predetermined positions inrespect to the bulge section 2 b. For example, following thecircumferential direction of the cup-shaped base body 2 in eitherdirection until an angle of 90° is reached can be chosen as the positionfor the optically readable code 3. Any contour of the inlet face C,which is not symmetric in rotation, will have a distinguishing anchorpoint, like the bulge section 2 a, in respect to which the position ofthe optically readable code 3 can be fixed. The contour of the inletface C with the bulge section 2 b serves as a positioning aid for theoptically readable code 3, when the capsule 1 is inserted into abeverage production machine 10, so that it is ensured that the opticallyreadable code 3 faces a certain direction inside the beverage productionmachine 10, preferably to be read by optical means fixed in the machine10, as will be explained below. The bulge section 2 b of the inlet faceC serves a double function for the capsules 1 described above, since itcan firstly be used to define the position of the optically readablecode 3, and secondly serves to hold a fluid inlet unit and/or filter 9,which cleans the liquid inserted into the capsule 1 from contamination.

As can be seen in FIG. 2a-2c , the optical code 3 is positioned on thesidewall 4 of the capsule 1 between the upper flange 6 of the inlet faceC and the bottom wall 7 of the cup-shaped body. To the upper flange 6, afoil member 5 can be sealed, as shown in FIG. 1c . The foil member 5 isintended to be perforated, in order to insert liquid into the capsule 1.The supplied liquid then flows through the capsule 1 and exits from theone or more outlets 8 on the bottom 7 of the cup-shaped body 2. Sincethe optically readable code 3 is positioned on the side wall 4, it isprotected from any liquid, which might sputter or spray, when suppliedto the capsule 1 through the inlet face C, i.e. the foil member 5, orwhen output from the capsule 1 through one or more outlets 8.

Preferably, the cup-shaped body 2 of the capsule 1 is wider (in terms ofits radius around the longitudinal axis A) near the upper flange 6, thannear the bottom wall 7, and wider in particular than at the position ofthe optically readable code 3 on the side wall 4 of the cup-shaped basebody 2. Thus, liquid that might spray or sputter, when injected into thecapsule 1 through the inlet face C, is hindered from soiling theoptically readable code 3, because it is screened by the widened body 2at the inlet face 6. Therefore, the optically readable code 3 will allowfor a better performance of an automatic capsule detection in thebeverage production machine 10. Preferably, also the one or more outlets8 are smaller in terms of their radius or width, than the radius of thecup-shaped base body 2 at its bottom 7. The same screening effect, thistime by means of the bottom 7, as described above for the inlet face Coccurs, and liquid that might spray or sputter from one or more outlets8, is prevented from hitting the optically readable code 3.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through a head portion of a beverageproduction machine 10 according to the present invention (i.e. the upperpart of the machine without the base part of the machine 10, whichtypically comprises a drip tray or support for the baby bottle or thelike). The beverage production machine 10 comprises housing 11, intowhich a capsule holder 13 can be inserted. The capsule holder 13 can beinserted preferably in a sliding arrangement. The housing 11 istherefore equipped with guiding rails for guiding the capsule holder 13in a sliding relationship into the housing 11, and for ensuring adefined position of the capsule holder 13 in the housing 11. Furtherdetails regarding the capsule holder 13 will be provided below.

Attachable to the housing 11, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 3, is areservoir 12, which holds liquid to be supplied to the capsule 1, inorder to prepare the nutritional product. The liquid in the reservoir 12can be any liquid like water, soup, milk or the like. Also multiple,different liquids could be held in sub-reservoirs or compartments in thereservoir 12. The reservoir 12 communicates with the housing 11 via avalve 18. The valve 18 is preferably designed to automatically open whenthe reservoir 12 is attached to the housing 11, and is designed toautomatically close, if the reservoir 12 is removed from the housing 11.The reservoir 12 is constructed removable to the housing 11 to simplifyits refilling or. The beverage production machine 10 further comprisesmeans to heat the liquid in the reservoir 12, or to heat the liquid fromthe reservoir 12 in a separate chamber. The machine provides preferablyliquid temperatures in a range of 23° C. to 40° C., however also otherranges for other purposes can be envisaged.

Inside the housing is arranged a liquid injection assembly, whichcomprises an injection plate 14 a, a liquid needle 14 b and optionally agas needle 14 c. The injection plate 14 a is adapted to be either in anopen position or in a closed position. The liquid needle 14 b followsthe movement of the injection plate 14 a. When the injection plate 14 ais closed, when the beverage production machine 10 is operated toproduce a nutritional product, the liquid needle 14 b is pushed throughan opening 22 of the housing 11 and penetrates the capsule 1 held in thecapsule holder 13 from above, i.e. perforates the wall member 5, whichis preferably a foil member sealed to the upper flange 6 of the capsule1 in a liquid tight manner. Then, liquid from the reservoir 12 can thenbe injected through the liquid needle 14 b into the inlet face C of thecapsule 1. The capsule 1 is preferably positioned inside the beverageproduction machine 10 so that the liquid needle 14 b injects liquid inthe area, for example the bulge section 2 b of the inlet face C asexplained above, where the filter 9 or other fluid inlet unit ispositioned. Thus, the injected liquid will be automatically freed fromany contamination. When the injection plate 14 a is closed, a liquidtight enclosure is further obtained between the housing 11 and thecapsule 1, since the liquid plate 14 a presses liquid tight onto theupper flange 6 of the capsule 1. Therefore, liquid is prevented fromcirculating down on the outside surface of the capsule 1 to the locationof the optically readable code 3, which is below the upper flange 6. Allliquid that is injected by the liquid needle 14 b flows through thecapsule 1, no leakage occurs. Thus, the optically readable code 3 isprotected from being soiled during operation of the production beveragedevice 10.

When the injection plate 14 a is opened, the liquid needle 14 b isretracted through the opening 22 following the movement of the injectionplate 14 a. Any residual liquid which might drip from the liquid needle14 b is collected and drained through drain channels 20 (see FIG. 5)provided on the capsule holder 13. The drain channels 20 serve to guidethe liquid off the device. Therefore, liquid contamination of housing 11can be reduced. The injection plate 14 a can be opened and closedautomatically, by any suitable mechanism, either mechanically orelectrically. The beverage production machine 10 optionally comprisesone or more pumps to feed the liquid from the reservoir 12 or from aheating chamber to the liquid injection assembly.

A code reader 24 is placed in the frame 16 of the beverage productionmachine 10, the frame 16 being outside the housing 11. The frame 16 isbasically the part of the beverage production machine 10, which connectsthe head portion and the (not shown) base part. In FIG. 3 the frame 16is oriented substantially vertical, however, the code reader 24 isprovided on a slanted part of the frame 16.

The code reader 24 comprises one or more light emitting diodes, LEDs, toilluminate the optically readable code 3 of the capsule 1, which is heldin the capsule holder 13. To allow the emitted light to enter thehousing 11, into which the capsule holder 13 with the capsule 1 canslide, the housing 11 comprises a window 15. The window 15 prevents thecode reader 24 from being contaminated by liquids seeping out from thehousing 11, where the liquid injection assembly 14 a, 14 b is located.However, also the window 15 should not be contaminated with any liquidsor vapor, since otherwise the light emitted from the light-emittingdiodes of the code reader 24 cannot completely pass cleanly through tothe housing 11, where the capsule 1 with the optically readable code 3is located. Therefore, the above mentioned protection features areimplemented. One feature is that drain channels 20 in the capsule holder13 drain away residual liquid dripping from the liquid needle 14 b, whenthe injection plate 14 a is opened after an operation of the beverageproduction machine 10. The other is that when the injection plate 14 ais closed, a liquid tight closure between the housing 11 and the capsule1 is provided, preventing liquid to circle around the outer surface ofthe capsule 1 to the lower part of the housing 11, where the window 15is situated. Additionally the walls of the capsule holder 13 will beinterposed between the liquid injection plate 14 a and the window 15.Thus, it is virtually impossible for liquid to drip or spurt onto thewindow 15, when the injection plate 14 a is closed.

The window 15 is positioned in the propagation direction of the lightemitted from the one or more LEDs of the code reader 24. The window ispreferably made of plastic or glass. However, any other material can bechosen, as long as the material is completely transparent for theemitted light. The code reader 24 further comprises a focusing lens,which can focus the emitted light onto the optically readable code 3 onthe capsule 1. Thus, an image of the optically readable code can beacquired. A charge coupled device, CCD, in the code reader 24 transformsthe acquired image into an electrical signal. The control unit of thebeverage production machine 10 can analyze the electrical signal, andcan interpret the optically readable code 3. Further, a memory unit isprovided in the beverage production machine 10, which can memorize theanalysis result, i.e. can memorize the last optically readable code 3read by the code reader 24. Preferably, the memory unit is at leastlarge enough to memorize the last 20 read codes 3. The control unit isfurther able to deactivate the beverage production machine 10, if a readoptically readable code 3 on a capsule 1 corresponds to one of thestored optical codes 3 in the memory unit. The control unit is able toperform an algorithm that compares the interpreted analysis result forthe optically readable codes 3 with the stored results in the memoryunit. As an alternative to deactivate the beverage production machine10, the control unit can issue a warning signal to the user. Thereby,accidental multiple usage of a single capsule 1 is prevented, but areheating of the liquid for the next preparation step of a nutritionalproduct the liquid can also be prevented, since the machine 10 staysturned on.

The control unit is further able to set the correct preparationparameters based on the optically readable code 3, which the code reader24 reads from the capsule. Preparation parameters can comprise thecorrect amount of necessary supplied liquid and/or liquid temperaturewhich can differ for different nutritional products. It is alsoconceivable that the reservoir 12 holds multiple liquids in multiplesub-reservoirs or compartments, and that the control unit is able todecide, based on the read code 3, which liquid is the one to be used fora given capsule 1. Finally, the flow rate or the pressure, which isapplied to the liquid, could be varied for different capsules 1, inorder to achieve the best possible results. The one or more LEDs, thecharged coupled device, the control unit and the memory unit aresupplied with power over support circuitry, which is included in theframe 16 of the beverage production machine 10.

The window 15 is arranged in the housing 11 so that the normal directionof the window plane 15 is not parallel to the injection direction of theliquid from the liquid needle 14 b, and to the direction of the liquidflowing through the capsule 1, which is preferably along thelongitudinal axis A of the capsule 1. The angle between said normaldirection of the window plane 15 and the flow direction of the liquidsupplied by the liquid needle 14 b preferably is chosen from a range of20° to 70°, and more preferably between 40° and 50°. The window 15 isthen also oriented so that its plane takes an angle B relative to thebottom plane 7 of the cup-shaped body 2 of the capsule 1, which ispreferably in a range of 110° and 160°, more preferably 130° to 140° (asshown in FIG. 4b ). By means of the above-described arrangement, therisk for liquid soiling the window 15 can be reduced. Thus, thereliability of the code reader 24 in the beverage production machine 10can be increased, and the machine, in particular the window 15, is madeeasier to clean.

In respect to the window 15, the code reader 24 has to be aligned in away that the light emitted from the LEDs of the code reader 24 impingesthe window 15 frontally. That means the angle of the propagationdirection of the emitted light and the window plane 15 should beperpendicular, so that reflections of the light on the window 15 areavoided. Reflections could keep the light form properly illuminating theoptically readable code 3 on the capsule 1, and could falsify thereading. To this end, the code reader 24 is provided, as explainedabove, on a slanted part of the frame 16. The angle, in which the partis oriented, corresponds to the angle of the window 15 in respect to thefluid flow direction. Alternatively, mirrors could be used to reflectthe light so that it properly impinges on the window 15. Additionallymovable mirrors, e.g. movable from the outside by the user, can beprovided, in order to compensate for any misalignment of the lightbeams, which could occur with time. The adjustment could also beperformed automatically by the control unit, for example, if the controlunit determines that optically readable codes 3 could not be readproperly for a consecutive number of times above a predeterminedthreshold value. A warning signal could in this case be issued to theuser, and/or the beverage production machine 10 could be deactivated.

The code reader 24 in the beverage production machine can also bepositioned otherwise, for example not in the head portion of the machine10, so that the light emitted by the light emitting diodes cannotdirectly hit onto the window 15. For example, the code reader 24 couldbe positioned in the base part of the machine, even further away fromthe liquid injection assembly, and optical communication to the window15 can be achieved by means of mirrors and/or lenses provided inside thebeverage production machine 10.

Preferably, the window 15 is positioned in the housing 11, so that theone or more outlets 8 of the capsule 1 are below the window 15, i.e.downstream of the window 15 in respect to the liquid flowing through thecapsule 1. Therefore, liquid that might spray or spurt from the one ormore outlets 8 of the capsule 1 is prevented from hitting the window 15,where it would block the light emitted from the one or more LEDs of thecode reader 24, and would reduce the reliability of the determination ofthe capsule 1.

Naturally, the capsule 1 has to be prepositioned in the beverageproduction machine 10 in such a way that the optically readable code 3on the capsule 1 faces the window 15, so that the code reader 24 canproperly illuminate the optically readable code 3 with the emitted lightfrom the LEDs. Since the window 15 and the code reader 24 are at a fixedposition in the beverage production machine 10, it has to be ensuredthat the capsule 1 is always inserted in a way that the opticallyreadable code 3 comes to be at a position in front of the window 15.This problem is solved by the present invention, since the capsule 1 canonly be inserted into the capsule holder 13 in a specific (single)orientation, since the contour of the inlet face C is not symmetric inrotation a described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the capsule holder 13 isdesigned with a seat 21 with an upper wall and a sidewall, which matchesthe non-symmetric contour of at least the inlet face C, so as toguarantee that the capsule 1 is placed correctly into the capsule holder13. The asymmetric contour of the inlet face C of the capsule 1 thusserves as a positioning aid, and thus the optically readable code 3 willautomatically be positioned correctly in the beverage production machine10.

The capsule holder 13 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4a, 4b and FIG.5, respectively. In FIG. 4b the capsule holder 13 is shown at itsposition in the housing 11 of the beverage production machine 10. Alsothe capsule 1 with the rotational non-symmetric contour of the inletface C is illustrated, as being placed into the capsule holder 13. Itcan be seen that the capsule 1 is fitted in such a way into the capsuleholder 13, and the capsule holder 13 is fitted in such a way into thehousing 11, that the injection plate 14 a, the liquid needle 14 b, andoptionally the gas needle 14 c come to be located above the inlet face Cof the capsule, which can be covered by the foil member 5. In particularthe liquid needle 14 b is positioned above the circular section 2 b,into which the filter 9 can be implemented. Further, the opticallyreadable code 3 on the capsule 1 is positioned to be in front of thewindow 15 of the housing 11. Due to this arrangement it is impossiblefor the user to position the capsule 1 incorrectly in the beverageproduction machine 10. The code reader 24 will always be able toilluminate and consequently to read the optically readable code 3 on thecapsule 1, and the control unit will be able to determine the type ofthe capsule 1 and thus set the appropriate parameters for thepreparation of the nutritional product, or to switch-off the beverageproduction machine 10 and/or issue a warning signal.

FIG. 5 shows the capsule holder 13 in the beverage production machine 10without an inserted capsule 1. The capsule holder 13 comprises anaperture 19, which is aligned with the window 15 of the housing 11, whenthe capsule holder 13 is inserted into the housing 11 of the machine 10.This is to provide an unhindered illumination of the optically readablecode 3, if a capsule 1 is inserted into the capsule holder 13, whereinthe optically readable code 3 is naturally aligned with the aperture 19.Since a transparent glass or plastic window 15 or wall is alreadyprovided in the housing 11, the aperture 19 does not necessarily have tobe covered with a second transparent window or wall. Thus, fewer partshave to be cleaned. However, it is of course also possible to insert asecond window or a transparent wall over the aperture 19, if additionalprotection for the optically readable code 3 on the capsule 1 isdesired.

The capsule holder 13 may further comprise magnets for detecting thereference position of the capsule holder 13 in the housing 11, to ensurethat its positioning inside the machine 10 is correct and precise.Alternatively, or in addition, optical detection of a correct insertionof the capsule holder 13 into the housing 11 can be implemented. Thecontrol unit can operate both the magnetic detection and the opticaldetection, and can determine, whether the capsule holder 13 is insertedcorrectly into the housing 11. Only in a case where the capsule holder13 is positioned precisely, the preparation of a nutritional productwill be allowed. For example, the control unit could prevent theobjection plate 14 a from being opened, if it determines that thecapsule holder 13 is positioned correctly inside the beverage productionmachine.

The capsule holder 13 can further be designed in a way allowing the userto remove it from the housing 11 with a one hand operation. Therefore,the capsule holder 14 can be retracted in a sliding manner from thehousing 11, and can be placed into a stable intermediate position. Inthis intermediate position, the capsule holder 13 is still attached tothe housing 11, although it is retracted out from the housing 11 farenough that a capsule 1 can be placed into the capsule holder 13. Todefine the intermediate position, means for stopping the capsule holder13 are provided. The capsule holder 13 can of course be pulled out evenfurther from the housing 11, in order to be completely removed from thebeverage production machine 10. The means for the intermediatepositioning could be realized by a pair of ball plungers in the guidingrails of the housing 11. The ball plungers could cooperate with means onthe capsule holder 13, such as a pair of protrusions or recesses inlateral edges of the capsule holder 13. When the capsule holder 13 ismoved to the intermediate position, the ball plungers engage with theseprotrusions or recesses, and are adapted to stably stop the capsuleholder 13. Further pulling on the capsule holder 14 will be resisted bya counter-force created by the ball plungers, but can be overcome when asufficient pulling force is applied to the capsule holder 13.

A user interface 17 can be provided, for example, on the front of thebeverage production machine 10, and can be adapted to be operated by auser, in order to activate the machine 10 and/or to adjust thetemperature and/or set preparation parameters. For example, theadjustment of the temperature can be obtained by a touch screen or arotary knob at the user interface. The temperature of the liquid in thebeverage production machine is preferably adjustable in a range of about23° C. to 40° C. The temperature can be adjusted either on anincremental basis or can be adjusted continuously. Preferably, the startfunction of the machine 10 is obtained by a press button or by a touchscreen. A function to set the above-mentioned preparation parametersmanually could be provided. This can be especially useful, if the codereader 24 does not work properly, for example due to liquidcontaminating the optically readable code 3 on the capsule 1 or thewindow 15, despite all the protection features of the present invention.

In summary, the principal mode of the present invention presents acapsule 1 having an inlet face C, which is formed by a circular section2 a and a bulge section 2 b extending from the circular section 2 agiving the inlet face C a not symmetric in rotation. The capsule 1further has an optically readable code 3 on a side wall 4 of acup-shaped body of the capsule 1 opposite the bulge section 2 b. Thepresent invention further presents a beverage production machine with acapsule holder 13 for holding a capsule 1 in such a way in the beverageproduction machine 10, that the optically readable code can be read by acode reader 24. Liquid can be supplied to the capsule to produce anutritional product. The present invention provides means to prevent theoptically readable code 3 and the code reader 24, respectively, frombeing contaminated with liquid, vapor, dirt or the like. An automaticdetection of the capsule type, and a corresponding automatic setting ofpreparation parameters by the beverage production machine 1 becomespossible, and is more reliable than state of the art solutions.

FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a second possible mode of the present invention.The invention relates to a removable insert 100 used for rinsing and/ordescaling the beverage production machine. The insert comprises a body110. The body comprises a fluid supply side 120, a bottom or fluiddelivery side 130, a frontal sidewall 140 (also identified by arrow F)opposite to a rear side 150 (also identified by arrow R). The fluidsupply side 120 presents on contour that is not symmetrical in rotationand presents a bulge section 160 extending from a main, at leastpartially circular, section 170. The fluid supply side 120 comprises inits bulge section 160, a liquid inlet 180. The liquid inlet communicateswith a liquid outlet 190 positioned on the fluid supply side 130 througha passage. The passage may, for instance be formed of two deviationchannels 101, 102. The two deviation channels bypass a gas inlet areaintended for being positioned adjacent the gas inlet of the device anddemarcated by a separation structure 200. When the insert is engaged bythe liquid injection assembly of the beverage production machine, theopen upper part of the passage or channels is closed thereby forcinginjected liquid to flow transversally towards and then through theliquid outlet 190.

According to an important aspect of the invention, the frontal side ofthe insert has an optical readable code such as a barcode 125. Theoptical readable code can be printed or engraved on the wall or besupported on a label adhesively connected to the frontal wall 140. Asapparent, the code is away from the liquid inlet 180 a sufficientdistance that reduces the risk of the code interacting with fluid, e.g,liquid and/or gas. Furthermore, the code is placed in a different plane,which is substantially transversal to the plane of extension of thefluid supply wall thereby further protecting the code from fluidinteraction. Furthermore, the insert has preferably a hollow framestructure as illustrated to further enable any residual liquid to drainbefore reaching the frontal wall. The code may bear data or informationwhich is relevant to the use of the insert and/or relevant to use ofother inserts such as capsules.

FIG. 8 further shows that the insert has a complementary outer shapeenabling it to fit into the seat 21 of the capsule holder 13 with thebulge section 160 fitting into a bulge section 210 of seat 21. In amanner similar to the coded capsule as previously described, inengagement of the insert into the seat, the optical code of frontsidewall of the insert comes in alignment with a window 19 of thecapsule holder to enable the code to be readable from the reader of thedevice when the capsule holder is placed in the housing of the machine.

FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention, in which thecapsule holder 330 comprises the optical readable code thereon. Thecapsule holder comprises a seat 21 for receiving a capsule and guidingmeans such as side rails 301, 302 The seat comprises a rear sidewall anda frontal sidewall 140 forming a tubular portion, for instance (but notnecessarily continuous as illustrated). An optical readable code 125such as a barcode is applied on the frontal sidewall 140. The guidingmeans extend substantially transversal to the front and rear sidewalls.As previously described, the seat 21 has a bulge section in its reararea designed for receiving a bulge section of the capsule; such sectionbeing dedicated to form the fluid area of the capsule in the machine. Asa result, the code 125 is away a sufficient distance from the bulgesection 121 that makes the risk the code interacting with fluid, e.g.,liquid and/or gas very low. Furthermore, the code is placed in adifferent plane, which is substantially transversal to the plane of theseat further protecting the code from fluid interaction.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A capsule for containing nutritionalingredients and designed for insertion in a beverage production machine,the capsule comprising: a cup-shaped base body having a bottom, a sidewall and an inlet face, the inlet face of the cup-shaped base bodypresents a contour, which is not symmetric in circumference, andpresents a bulge section extending from an essentially circular section;a filter unit positioned in a seat of the cup-shaped base body below thebulge section of the inlet face; and an optically readable code isprovided on the side wall at a position which, when viewing the capsulefrom the inlet face, is located opposite the bulge section.
 2. Thecapsule according to claim 1, wherein the cup-shaped base body comprisesan upper flange defining the non-symmetric contour of the inlet faceincluding the bulge section.
 3. The capsule according to claim 2,wherein a wall member is sealed onto the upper flange.
 4. The capsuleaccording to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the cup-shaped base body isprovided with one or more outlets.
 5. The capsule according to claim 1,wherein the filter unit is adapted for removing contaminants containedin a supplied liquid.
 6. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein thefilter unit is part of a fluid inlet unit in the seat.